The Benton Police Department responded Monday to a Walnut Street home in reference to an animal attack.

Upon arrival Officer Carr located the victim Linda Putnam, 62, Benton, at her home with injuries to her face and chest. Putnam said she was outside with her Pomeranian dog when two large pitbull dogs approached. One of the pitbulls attacked her dog. Putnam attempted to intervene when the pitbull focused on her. The pitbull knocked her to the ground and began attacking her causing the injuries. The pitbull then fled. Mrs. Putnam was taken to Marshall County Hospital emergency room by Marshall County EMS.

During the course of the investigation, Carr determined the owner of the dogs, David Cox, 50, of West 15th St., Benton. Mr. Cox was cited for harboring a vicious animal and both pitbulls were impounded. The victim was treated for non-life threatening injuries and released.

The Benton Police Department was assisted by Marshall County Deputy Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Lane and the Marshall County Animal Warden.